Truck Camper Guide to California

California has a lot of great places to camp with a truck camper. To provide a bit of inspiration for your next adventure in your Northern Lite, we have put together this list of places perfect for exploring in your truck camper:

1. Yosemite National Park – Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite is known for its stunning granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoia trees. The park has several campgrounds that can accommodate truck campers, including Upper Pines, Lower Pines, and North Pines. Some campsites have electrical hookups, and all have fire rings, picnic tables, and bear-proof food storage lockers. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak season.
2. Joshua Tree National Park – This desert park in Southern California is famous for its otherworldly rock formations and twisted Joshua trees. There are several campgrounds within the park, including Jumbo Rocks, which has sites that can accommodate truck campers up to 35 feet long. The campsites have picnic tables and fire rings, but no hookups. The park is popular for hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing.
3. Big Sur – This rugged stretch of coastline in Central California offers some of the most beautiful camping in the state. There are several campgrounds in the area, including Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, which has sites that can accommodate truck campers up to 32 feet long. The campsites have picnic tables and fire rings, and some have electrical hookups. The park is known for its redwood forests, scenic hikes, and picturesque beaches.
4. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park – Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a great place for boondocking with a truck camper. There are many trails to explore and beautiful views of the desert landscape.
5. Lake Tahoe – This alpine lake on the border of California and Nevada is a popular destination for camping, hiking, and water sports. There are several campgrounds around the lake, including Nevada Beach Campground, which has sites that can accommodate truck campers up to 35 feet long. The campsites have picnic tables and fire rings, and some have electrical hookups. The area is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain scenery.
6. Mendocino National Forest – The Mendocino National Forest is located in Northern California and offers many opportunities for boondocking. There are several areas within the forest that allow dispersed camping.
7. Death Valley National Park – This desert park in Eastern California is one of the hottest, driest, and lowest places in North America. Despite its harsh environment, it offers some unique camping opportunities, including the Furnace Creek Campground, which has sites that can accommodate truck campers up to 35 feet long. The campsites have picnic tables, fire rings, and electrical hookups. The park is popular for hiking, stargazing, and exploring the park’s otherworldly landscapes.

These are just a few examples of the many great places to camp with a truck camper in California. Whether you prefer mountains, deserts, beaches, or forests, there is something for everyone in the Golden State.